Entering a coaching supervision session can sometimes feel like stepping into the unknown. What topics should I bring to discuss? How do you make the best use of the time? Don’t worry – you’re not alone in this uncertainty, I know I’ve struggled at times with what should I bring or is this good enough to bring? So I’d like to offer a set of questions to help you prepare for a session that’s both enriching and transformative.
What can get in the way?
- Not “Juicy Enough” Topics: Ever felt like your coaching scenarios are mundane and lack the drama necessary for a supervision session? Remember, every coaching moment, big or small, has the potential for learning. Even seemingly ordinary sessions can be rich grounds for reflection and growth.
- Fear of Being Judged: Some coaches hesitate to bring certain topics due to fear of judgment. Remember, supervision is a safe and confidential space. Trust is the cornerstone, and your supervisor is there to guide, not to critique.
- Overwhelmed by Choices: With the vast landscape of coaching, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices. The key is to focus on what’s most relevant or pressing in your practice at the moment. It’s okay not to have it all figured out.
Questions to identify a potential topic:
Feeling stuck on what to bring? Here are some questions to jumpstart your preparation for your next supervision session:
- Reflect on Recent Sessions: What coaching situations stood out to you recently? Were there moments of success or challenges that left you pondering? Which coaching situations or client cases have posed challenges or sparked my interest since my last supervision session? What specific aspects or dynamics would I like to explore further with my supervisor?
- Identify Patterns: Have you noticed any recurring themes or patterns in your coaching interactions? This could be related to specific clients, types of issues, or even your own reactions.
- Explore Personal Growth: In what ways do you feel you’ve personally grown as a coach since the last session? What new insights or skills have you acquired?
- Consider Ethical Dilemmas: Have you encountered any ethical dilemmas in your recent coaching practice? What are your thoughts and feelings about these situations?
- Evaluate Client Progress: How are your clients progressing towards their goals? Are there any clients who pose unique challenges or require extra attention?
- Self-Reflection on Your Practice: How would you describe your coaching style currently? Are there aspects you wish to enhance or modify?
- Self-Care: How have I been prioritising my own well-being and self-care as a coach? Are there any personal or professional challenges that have affected my ability to provide effective coaching? What support or strategies do I need to address these challenges and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
- Future Goals: What are your coaching goals for the upcoming weeks or months? How can supervision support you in achieving these goals?
Coaching supervision is not about having all the answers; it’s about exploring the questions and uncertainties. The richness of supervision lies in our willingness to bring our authentic selves and real coaching experiences to the supervision table.